Trouble is brewing in Los Angeles for the Lakers. After the blockbuster commerce for Luka Doncic this previous season, what appeared poised to turn out to be probably the greatest duos in NBA historical past may not even play a single playoff sport collectively.
Throughout the common season, LeBron James and Doncic appeared to have a very good relationship each on and off the courtroom. However maybe the Lakers’ entrance workplace performed an enormous position on this relationship deteriorating.
LeBron James makes Kevin Durant really feel uncomfortable by placing him on the highlight
Since LeGM (LeBron’s nickname, referencing his reported involvement in Lakers workforce choices) arrived in L.A. in 2018, he has been the centerpiece of the group, with the workforce’s entrance workplace consulting him earlier than main trades.
In response to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers are “not consulting with LeBron this yr,” which can sign there’s a new high canine in L.A. and his identify is clearly Luka Doncic.
Lakers’ damaged locker room
That will not have sat effectively not solely with LeBron but additionally with one other star: Austin Reaves. The Lakers gamers had been used to being guided by probably the greatest gamers ever, and changing him with a youthful chief who hasn’t gained a hoop has induced havoc on the workforce.
“LeBron doesn’t like enjoying with Luka, Reaves doesn’t like enjoying with Luka. Reaves doesn’t like getting the ball with two seconds left on the shot clock… The Lakers are going to show their consideration to constructing round Luka, not LeBron. So that is Luka’s workforce now,” in response to John Gambadoro, host of Arizona Sports activities 98.7 FM Phoenix.
For now, LeBron has opted to train his $52.6 million participant choice and play one other season with the Lakers. However a commerce might be within the works, with the 40-year-old seeking to win one other championship earlier than retiring.